The Future of Consumerist

Over the last twelve years, Consumerist has been a steadfast proponent and voice on behalf of consumers, from exposing shady practices by secretive cable companies to pushing for action against dodgy payday lenders. Now, we’re joining forces with Consumer Reports, our parent organization, to cultivate the next generation of consumer advocacy.

Stay tuned as Consumerist’s current and future content finds its home as a part of the Consumer Reports brand. In the meantime, you can access existing Consumerist content below, and we encourage you to visit Consumer Reports to read the latest consumer news.

There you are, happily and cozily ensconced in your house, playing your new PS4 (as long as it’s not a piece of wood) to your heart’s delight, warm with the Christmas spirit that brought you this shiny new toy. But if you want to keep your new pricy electronics and nice clothing, it’s not a good idea to tip off any would-be thieves of what’s hiding in your home by advertising it with empty boxes.

Local police stations are busy warning residents this time of year not to broadcast their holiday hauls by leaving boxes out by the curb, plastered with shipping labels or branding that say exactly what they used to contain, or are so big a person might reasonably guess that a big ticket item was once nestled there.

Cutting up boxes, folding them inside out so their labels and advertising don’t show, or making sure they’re concealed inside a recycling bin are all good ways to keep your Christmas quiet. It’s a long-term effort to keep your house safe, as well.

“They drive up and down the alley after Christmas looking, and they take note of addresses,” one officer told CBS Minnesota. “Whether they’re going to come back in a day, come back in a week, or come back in three months, they know exactly what’s in the house now.”